Author: Emil Lazarian

SPIELBERG CALLS HOME FOR POIGNANT PREMIERE
>From Tony Halpin in Kiev
The Times, UK
Oct 19 2006
HIS films have brought home the horror of the Holocaust to millions.
Yesterday Steven Spielberg came home to Ukraine to launch a film
about survivors of the Holocaust in his ancestral homeland.
The Hollywood director’s grandparents all came to the United States
from Ukraine, but Spielberg had not visited the country before last
night’s premiere of the documentary Spell Your Name, by the Ukrainian
director Sergei Bukovsky.
Spielberg told The Times that he feared that the “epidemic” of racism
would lead the world into a new era to match the mass slaughters of
the 20th century.
“Hatred comes from fear and we have experienced a century of fear and
I fear that we are going into another century of heightened fear,”
he said.
“Until we get to the bottom of what makes people so afraid of
the differences in others, and what we look like, we are going to
experience an even greater century of fear.”
Spielberg’s arrival in Ukraine came a month after commemorations
marking the 65th anniversary of the Babi Yar massacre in Kiev, when
the Nazis murdered 33,771 Jews in two days. He said he had visited
Babi Yar earlier in the day and placed stones at the memorials to
those killed – a traditional Jewish act of remembrance. It and other
massacres had happened, he said, because people had allowed them to.
Tolerance was born of education through films such as Spell Your Name.
“It happened in the 20th century with the Armenians, it happened in
Rwanda, it happened in Sarajevo,” he said. “What is inconceivable
to me is that as I look around at what technology has given us to
shrink the world and make us better neighbours and friends, we often
are not better neighbours and friends.”
The 90-minute documentary records testimonies of Jews who survived the
Nazi occupation of Ukraine. The $1 million project was funded by Victor
Pinchuk, a billionaire Ukrainian industrialist whose grand-father
left Kiev with his family shortly before the Nazis invaded.
“My parents told me that they knew friends and neighbours who found
themselves at Babi Yar,” Mr Pinchuk said.
He had been inspired by Spielberg’s film Schindler’s List to approach
the director with the idea for the documentary.
Spielberg, 59, whose Shoah Foundation co-produced the film, said he
was happy that it had given him an opportunity to visit Ukraine.
“I grew up in a home where my grandparents spoke Russian and Yiddish.
I kind of felt that I had a piece of Ukraine in my own home, especially
around dinner time,” he said.
A CELLULOID LIFE
Steven Spielberg, born December 18, 1946, has won three Oscars and
is the most commercially successful film director
Wrote and directed his first large-scale movie at 16 while attending
Arcadia High School in Phoenix, Arizona
Applied unsuccessfully three times to the University of Southern
California’s School of Cinematic Arts
Attended California State University, Long Beach, majoring in English,
but dropped out in 1969 to take a television directing contract at
Universal Studios
Finished his degree by correspondence in 2002, 35 years after starting
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

CHIRAC DID NOT PROMISE ERDOGAN TO INTERVENE IN ARMENIAN GENOCIDE BILL ADOPTION
PanARMENIAN.Net
19.10.2006 14:10 GMT+04:00
/PanARMENIAN.Net/ French opposition Socialist Party’s lawmakers,
who proposed the controversial ‘genocide’ bill adopted last week by
Parliament, criticized French President Jacques Chirac for telling
Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan he was sorry that French lawmakers
approved the bill – making it a crime to deny that Armenians were
subjected to a Genocide at the hands of the Ottoman Empire. “It is
disappointing that he [Chirac] apologized over parliamentary work,”
said Didier Migaud, deputy from the Socialist Party.
Erdogan said over the weekend that Chirac called him and said he was
sorry and also promised to “do everything he could in the following
process,” referring to the readings through which the bill must pass
before becoming legislation. Chirac, during a visit to the Armenian
capital of Yerevan last month, said Turkey must recognize the alleged
Armenian genocide, before it can join the European Union. An official
from the French Foreign Ministry, referring to a telephone conversation
between Chirac and Erdogan, reportedly said Jacques Chirac did not
make a pledge that he would intervene or ensure that the bill was
annulled, Turkish Daily News reports.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

OBSERVERS TO COME TO ARMENIA AFER THE ELECTIONS
A1+
[02:40 pm] 19 October, 2006
Vahan Hovhannesyan, Deputy Speaker of the RA National Assembly and
head of the Armenian delegation in the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly,
and Samvel Nikoyan, member of the Armenian delegation met with Julie
Finley, US ambassador to the OSCE.
Mrs. Finley highlighted the importance of holding just and fair
elections in Armenia in compliance with democratic criteria. At the
same time she attached great importance to the long-term (90-day)
presence of the OSCE observers’ mission in Armenia. In her words,
the presence of observers during the pre-election period is as vital
as during the elections.
Vahan Hovhannesyan and Samvel Nikolyan also focused on holding just
and fair elections in Armenia underlining that the amendments to the
Electoral Code will be soon endorsed. The amendments have already
been subjected to the OSCE and EU Venice Commission observation and
supported by the parliamentary forces.
The parties also referred to the activity of Central Election
Commission and to the importance of having complete and precise lists.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

THERE MIGHT BE PROGRESS IN KARABAKH CONFLICT SETTELEMENT BY 2007
A1+
[03:09 pm] 19 October, 2006
“I don’t understand what the Republicans mean by saying that the
Karabakh conflict settlement will be frozen by 2010. I assume that
there might be progress in the conflict regulation by 2007,” announced
Hovhannes Hovhannisyan in club “Pastark” today. He doesn’t exclude
that the progress might be perceived after the meeting of Armenian
and Azeri Foreign Ministers scheduled on October 24 in Paris.
Hovhannes Hovhannisyan is concerned about the fact that the compromise
in the Karabakh issue can be unilateral – only by the Armenian
side. He claims that the conflict can be regulated in the realm of
the regional global issues. While speaking of the regional issues
and Russian-Georgian relations, Mr. Hovhannisyan said, “RA Foreign
Ministry doesn’t possess the flexibility required for small countries
like Armenia.
Today our authorities cannot make independent decisions. There is no
need to deceive us by Russian criminal money spent on the construction
of a few buildings in Yerevan. Armenian-Russian relations are based
on fair elections.”
Hovhannes Hovhannisyan is convinced that if the forthcoming elections
are fabricated, the next generation will have to struggle for the RA
independence again.
By the way, asked the question whether their party doesn’t intend to
join Raffi Hovannisian-Vazgen Manoukyan alliance, Mr. Hovhannisyan
answered, “I don’t exclude anything. I can say one thing definitely;
they postpone their announcement as they cannot find a hall. The
people entitled to give halls criticize the present authorities but
say that in case they give a hall, their children will be deprived
of their daily bread,” said Hovhannes Hovhannisyan.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

OPENING OF SURP KHACH CHURCH OF AKHTAMAR SLATED ON NOV 4
By Hakob Chakrian
AZG Armenian Daily
20/10/2006
Surp Khach church of Akhtamar Island will be opened on November 4,
Lraber newspaper of the Armenian Patriarchate of Constantinople quoted
owner of the reconstructing company Cahit Zeidalan as saying. He said
that the reconstruction works ended on August 30 and currently the
church’s surroundings are being refurbished. He also said that prime
minister Erdogan had attached high importance to the reconstruction,
and most likely the opening will take place on November 4.
Zeidalan considers the reconstruction work to be of high quality
and exemplary for the world. Yet, it’s clear from the above picture
that the constructors have “forgotten” fix crosses on the dome and
on the chapel.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

PARTY LEADER BELIEVES PRE-ELECTION BENEVOLENCE ILLEGAL
Panorama.am
13:08 19/10/06
Human Rights – 96 headed by Ruben Torosyan issued a statement saying
the benevolent acts by Prosperous Armenia and People’s Party are
“illegal” at this phase and must be prevented. Human Rights -96 (HR)
applied to the respective state authority – ministry of justice – with
a suggestion to take measures against illegal benevolence launched by
Prosperous Armenia and People’s Party which HR-96 believes is against
the Law on Benevolence and the Law on Political Parties.
HR-96 leader Ruben Torosyan also sent letters to Gagik Tsarukyan and
Tigran Karapetyan asking to regulate their benevolent deeds within
the law.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

NDU LEADER SAYS POLITICAL LIFE IS DARK IN ARMENIA
Panorama.am
19:04 19/10/06
Speaking about internal political situation in the country,
National Democratic Union (NDU) chairman, Vazgen Manukyan, mentioned
that he sees the same darkness, the same corruption and the same
criminalism. Concurrently, he says, there is not trust in future.
The deputy says, “Neither the power authorities nor the opposition
has the force that can lead the people.” He said it is hard for him
to say if NDU could take up that function.
Speaking about Alternative movement, Manukyan said like your mouth
will not get sweet by saying “halva” so “you will not become an
alternative by saying alternative.”
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

TURKISH ARMENIAN WRITER CONDEMNS EFFORTS TO EXPLOIT GENOCIDE ISSUE
Source: Yeni Safak website, Istanbul, in Turkish
17 Oct 06
EU1-TURKEY-ARMENIANS
Turkish Armenian writer condemns efforts to exploit genocide issue
Text of interview with Hrant Dink by Fadime Ozkan,”I am very angry
at Armenians who are using our pains”, published by Turkish newspaper
Yeni Safak website on 17 October;
[Yeni Safak] What is the purpose of the French parliament’s adoption
of the bill criminalizing denial of the Armenian genocide at the
cost of damaging relations with Turkey? It is known how France looks
at Turkey’s EU membership bid. Could it be that an effort is being
made to pin Turkey on the ropes and provoke it into showing extreme
reactions, in this way undermining sympathy for Turkey within the
EU and increasing anti-EU sentiments in Turkey and getting Turkey to
discontinue its efforts for EU membership?
[Dink] I agree with your assessments. Those Europeans who object to
Turkey’s joining the EU, who include Armenians, do not want Turkey
even to change,let alone enter the EU. And they are going out of their
way to demonstrate that Turkey has not changed. The Armenian issue
is one of their tools to achieve this purpose. There are circles in
Turkey who are making the same effort. They are doing what they can
to worsen Turkey’s international image. These people are opposed to
one another yet feed off one another.
There are those pleased with bill in Armenia
[Yeni Safak] Could there be other objectives besides blocking
change? France is going to the polls and nationalism is on the rise
there, too.
[Dink] That is why I regard this as an unethical stance and it is
also why I am angry at Armenians. How can they allow the tragedy that
befell our forefathers to be exploited so recklessly for political
purposes? We should carry this burden honourably on our shoulders as
a people and not allow anybody to use it. When we do, things get to
the point where we Armenians are exploiting it and it drives me mad.
[Yeni Safak] How has the denial bill been received in Armenia?
[Dink] Some people have been pleased with it but this is an
emotional reaction like what happens when you score a goal in a
football match. People have started to understand that this is not a
football match. I am sure the Armenian government is currently at the
point where it could say, “This bill was uncalled-for.” Nevertheless,
there is an election in 2007 and it is not possible to say everything
officially.
Armenians in Turkey annoyed at bill
[Yeni Safak] How does the Armenian community in Turkey look at
the bill?
[Dink] Obviously we are disturbed by everything that disturbs this
country.
There is something else that disturbs us. We are aware of what
is going on and we are disturbed by the way this issue is being
exploited. Secondly, we want this issue to be sorted out through
dialogue between Turks and Armenians in Turkey. It makes us sorry to
see that such bills harm the basis of dialogue.
[Yeni Safak] You have had many visitors from abroad since the bill
was passed. The media are very curious to know what you think. What
do they ask you most?
[Dink] They want to know “whether Turkey will take it out on the
minorities inside”. We are not in such a mood at all. We believe that
Turkey will channel its anger correctly. The West, which is using this
issue, represents the imperial mentality. It has never crossed our
minds that the people with whom we coexist could direct their anger
on us. So you need not worry, either, whether we are apprehensive
or not. We definitely are not. We have started to take initiative on
these issues and make bold and principled moves. The Turkish Armenian
Patriarchate denounced the bill before and after it was debated. We
came forward as individuals to voice our objections.
Even Armenia has not passed such a bill
[Yeni Safak] Has Armenia passed similar bills at all?
[Dink] There have been a few reports in the Turkish press saying that
Armenia has passed such a bill before but it is not true. The bill
passed by Armenia was the international genocide convention ratified
finally by Turkey last year.
[Yeni Safak] Do you think France’s efforts to pass such a bill will
turn this country into a “paradise” in Armenian eyes? Will France
become a centre of attraction and will there be an inflow of migrants
into this country, for example?
[Dink] France recognized the genocide in 2001. Did Armenians migrate
from Turkey to France, then? It is what happens in Turkey rather
than what happens outside that determines the state of mind of the
Armenians living here. What has been happening in Turkey for the
past three weeks -particularly [Republican People’s Party, CHP,
leader Deniz] Baykal and party spokesmen’s unseemly statements in
Parliament about the bill on foundations -has disturbed us quite a
lot although such things will not make us go. The way they treated
us as hostages rather than citizens was very unbecoming.
I find it shameful. Who is Deveciyan to use me?
[Yeni Safak] What do you think of what [French UMP Deputy] Patrik
Deveciyan said in the French parliament?
[Dink] I found it shameful that Deveciyan made references to Article
301 [of the Turkish Penal Code on freedom of expression] and said
Turkey should look in the mirror. I am being tried under that
article. He probably meant that.
But why should I become the instrument of such a thing? Who is that man
to use me like that? It mortified me. But it should mortify my state,
too. So I made it clear to them: “You cannot use me. I am standing
trial in this country because I used my freedom of speech and said,
‘The genocide is a fact.’ But I will come to France to object to
that bill and commit the crime.” One needs to maintain a principled
stance. Some of our smart alecks said, ‘We will go to France to object
to the bill that hampers free speech.’ Good. Object to the one here,
too. Support Hrant Dink’s case and join the fight against Article 301.
Let Europe deal with France
[Yeni Safak] What kind of strategy do you think Turkey should follow
to obstruct the Denial Bill?
[Dink] Turkey should turn it into Europe’s problem. It is the EU which
should put pressure on France. In the end, this is about freedom of
speech. Yet in order for EU countries to take Turkey seriously on this
-I am one of the victims of Article 301 and may God strike me dead if
I want it for myself -it should set its own house in order first. It
should revoke Article 301 so the EU will be ashamed of itself.
[Yeni Safak] Was it this that made it difficult for Turkey to try to
prevent the passage of the bill?
[Dink] It did weaken Turkey’s argument but the essential reason
is a different one. Turkey’s harsh stance on the genocide in the
international arena was an important reason. The fact that an attack
took place on the Armenian Monument in Lyon during the commemoration
on the 90th anniversary last year and the extremely harsh slogans
during the Turkish march in Berlin such as ‘We will set Paris and
Europe on fire’ disturbed those countries. These are commonplace
remarks in Turkey but there is no such thing in their world. So it
caused them concern.
[Yeni Safak] You are saying that this attitude confirmed the [Armenian]
diaspora’s arguments and helped to get the bill passed?
[Dink] There are those who disagree but it served as a trump card
for the diaspora. The [Turkish] parliament made irrational moves
like writing a letter to the British parliament against the Blue
Book. I cannot understand how Parliament can allow itself to be used
as a means of doing such unrealistic stuff. Britain responded to the
letter but it is not being disclosed because the Turkish parliament
has placed itself in a ridiculous position. It did not produce a good
result to allow violence and emotions rather than reason and empathy
to prevail. It produced the bill.
[Yeni Safak] Could Turkey not turn this into an advantage?
[Dink] Turkey has won a new position in terms of explaining itself
abroad.
The world regarded the Armenians as being in the right and as being
the wronged party until yesterday. The ban having been adopted, it
will see Turkey as being the wronged party. And Turkey will use it
to its advantage. The Armenians have shot themselves in the foot in
this sense. You cannot sacrifice a universal right while carrying out
a universal responsibility. This is what has been done in France. On
the other hand, this bill could lead to a change of mentality on the
part of those governing Turkey and those governing Armenia. The West
is using this issue not solving it. They [Turkey and Armenia] could
start saying, “Apparently we should do something between ourselves.”
What did Orhan Pamuk say?
[Yeni Safak] How do you view comments to the effect that the Nobel
Prize was awarded to [Turkish novelist] Orhan Pamuk in recognition of
his artistic abilities but because he said, “We killed 1m Armenians
and 30,000 Kurds in this land?”
[Dink] Many people have said many things about the Armenian
issue. Orhan did not make an important and unprecedented remark. I
am very happy that the prize has been awarded to him. His novels have
been inspired by these lands.
Armenia is waiting for Armenians already
[Yeni Safak] Bills proposing “the criminalization of Armenian genocide
lies” and “the denial of the Algerian genocide committed by France”
have been referred to the Parliamentary Justice Commission. What do
you think of these moves?
[Dink] I abide by the principle that parliaments cannot make decisions
on these topics. History cannot be protected by criminal laws. It
could probably be protected by ethical laws. Conscience is of paramount
importance here.
[Yeni Safak] It has been proposed as a measure that the Armenian
workers in Turkey be deported.
[Dink] (laughing) What should be done is not to send them away but
to increase the volume of traffic between the two countries so that
where diplomacy fails, public diplomacy could work. They cannot punish
Armenia in this way.
Armenia is very unhappy about the fact that its citizens are
leaving. It is waiting for them to come back or for others to send
them back.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

“UNION OF SELF-DETERMINATION” PARTY LEADER ACCUSES RA PRIME MINISTER OF ESPIONAGE IN FAVOUR OF RUSSIA
Yerevan, October 20. ArmInfo. The “Union of Self-determination”
party leader, a veteran of the Armenian politics, Paruir Hairikyan,
has called the RA prime Minister, Andranik Margaryan, a “Russian spy”.
In an interview to the “Iravunk” newspaper, P Hairikyan said that
A. Margaryan was an agent of the USSR State Security Committee. There
are people in Armenia today who remember A. Margaryan’s nickname,
however, P. Hairikyan considers it unnecessary to “go into details”.
“When you know that the Prime Minister of your country is a spy
of another state, it means all his actions need check-up and
revision”. P. Hairikyan said.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

A-320 CRASH CAUSES MAY BE ANNOUNCED TODAY
PanARMENIAN.Net
20.10.2006 12:57 GMT+04:00
/PanARMENIAN.Net/ The causes of the Armavia-owned A-320 jet crash are
expected to be announced today in an expanded statement. According
to the International Aviation Committee, some items to the document
will be added by the Armenian side. Earlier the Armenian aviation
officials refuted the information that an explosion resulting from a
criminal scuffle shocked the plane. The Armenian side adheres to the
opinion that the crew was guilty of the crash. To remind, on early
May 3 A-320 crashed over the Black Sea killing 113 people aboard.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress